Production lines frequently need to have the ability to accumulate or store pallets before the next process. This is done for many reasons including staging product prior to the next process, queueing product before transferring or providing storage for line operator duties. With three different VersaMove pallet system platforms, there’s a size to meet just about any production line.nnrnnnPallets, particularly workpiece pallets, can be accumulated on a number of different conveying surfaces. If you are looking for a multi-lane configuration, common in pallet conveying, with a low backpressure surface, you cannot beat the performance of an accumulating roller chain conveyor.nnrnnnrnnnnnrnnnrn

Workpiece Pallet Conveyors from mk

rnnnrnnnmk North America offers three levels of construction for accumulating roller chain conveyors. Part of the VersaMove pallet handling line. VersaMove pallet system offers a variety of conveying solutions to further match unique aspects of your production facility.nnrnnnrnnnThere is the SRF-P 1010 (VersaMove Standard), SRF-P 2010 (VersaMove Plus) and the SRF-P 2012 (VersaMove Ultra). All three platforms provide for an accumulating roller chain, which is an edge driven chain and features a free spinning center roller. This chain comes in several options, including steel or plastic rollers as well as inline or staggered roller placement. The Standard and Plus models are a ½-inch pitch chain, whereas the Ultra is a ¾-inch pitch chain.nnrnnnAs with all mk conveyors, the VersaMove accumulating roller chain conveyors are constructed using the highest quality components and mk’s robust, structural quality aluminum extrusion. The chain returns within a channel in the aluminum extrusion, adding to the design quality and system safety.nnrnnnrnnnnnrnnnrn

Accumulating Roller Chain Conveyors for Many Industries

rnnnrnnnThe VersaMove Standard accumulating roller chain conveyor is ideal for accumulation of small pallets, typically handling medical devices and small electronics, as well as consumer health and beauty products and light duty automotive components.nnrnnnThe Plus series is particularly well suited for automotive subassemblies and component manufacturing. In addition this platform also lends itself well to usage in order fulfilment, small household appliances and defense industries.nnrnnnWith its’ high load rating and ¾-inch pitch chain, the Ultra series can be used in a variety of industries including but not limited to: large manufacturing – large appliances, large automotive subassemblies, and furniture. This platform is also frequently used in the defense industry as well as on lines for pressure testing.nnrnnnrnnnrnnnrnnnrnnnrn

Attachment Timing Belt Conveyors: ZRF-P 2040.02

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Exploring Attachment Timing Belt Conveyors

rnnnrnnnrnnnIn today’s manufacturing environment it is often necessary to positively maintain a product’s location and orientation in order properly engage it during the assembly or testing phase. Other times products need to maintain a precise spacing and or be indexed in synch with other equipment. Attachment timing belt conveyors are uniquely designed for these applications. mk North America offers several options for this conveyor type that may work for your particular needs.nnrnnnrnnnAttachment timing belt conveyors are typically supplied in one of two ways. They can either be supplied with the attachments bolted to the belt or with the attachments adhered to it. Both of these configurations have their pros and cons, explored below.nnrnnnrnnn nnrnnnrn

Bolted Attachments

rnnnTiming belts with the attachments bolted on to them are typically referred to as “convertible timing belts” as the customer has the option to reconfigure or change the attachments in the future. These belts are designed with a hollow tooth timing belt. The top surface of the belt is then perforated at the designed fixture location and a female nut is placed into the hollow tooth cavity on the underside. The nut is then secured in place when the fixture on the top of the belt is bolted to it. This allows for the line to be quickly changed, if necessary. Because the fixtures are not part of the belt, these replacement belts have a shorter lead-time than the alternatives. However this does leave the customer responsible for obtaining the fixtures. Customers that do not have the capability to do this can order the fixtures from mk along with their conveyor. Fixtures can be made in a variety of materials, and this type of conveyor allows for the greatest customization in fixtures. Care should also be taken with this system to ensure all nuts are attached to a fixture so that no stray parts enter and damage the conveyor system. Attachment spacing across the width of the belt is not selectable and can pose a problem for some configurations. These belts are also only available in set width increments.nnrnnnrn

Welded Attachments

rnnnTiming belts with the fixtures permanently attached to the belt are often referred to as welded timing belts, this is because the fixtures are ultrasonically welded to the belt. This bond can be upwards of 98% of the belts strength. Because these fixtures are welded, they must be constructed out of the same material as the belt, polyurethane. These fixtures are cast molded parts and come in a dizzying array of options and shapes – they also have the option to have metal lugs or bolts placed in them. Custom fixtures can also be developed for specific applications. However, due to the highly custom nature of these belts the lead-time for replacement belts can be better than five or six weeks in certain instances. Customers that opt to go this route should strongly consider stocking a replacement belt to avoid costly downtime. Unlike belts with bolted attachments these belts are available in a variety of widths including up to 18-inches.nnrnnnrn

The Bottom Line

rnnnWhich style timing belt is right for your application? It really depends on the application. A wide variety of factors play into the type of attachment timing belt that would be right for your conveyor. These include conveyor width, type of fixture desired, positional accuracy and repeatability needed. Other factors that can influence the buying decision include acceptable lead-time, replacement part availability and the modularity of the system. Contact an mk sales representative for assistance; they will be able to work with you in gathering information about your process and help determine the best ZRF-P 2040.02 attachment timing belt conveyor for your needs.nnrnnnrnnnrnnnrnnnrnnnrnnnnn

mk North America – Your Solutions Partnernnrnnnrnnnmk North America is a premier supplier of low profile aluminum framed conveyors. Offering more than 20 standard conveyor platforms, mk has a solution for nearly every industrial, manufacturing or assembly conveyor requirement.nnrnnnrnnnmk is set apart from competitors in their ability to modify, customize and make truly adaptable conveyors for each customer’s specific requirements.nnrnnnrnnnnnrnnnrnnnSo when a global leader in automated material handling systems came to mk for a part handling conveyors between a robot and a buffering zone, mk was up to the task. Designing the three conveyor U-shaped system on mk’s GUF-P 2000 flat belt conveyor platform allowed for the ultimate in flexibility. The GUF-P 2000 is mk’s leading conveyor product line and offers the most drive and idler options in the industry. Combined with mk’s aluminum extrusion line, the engineers at mk were able to develop custom side rails to guide product around 90° corners. They also developed and designed, using mk extrusions, nesting plates for product placement as well as system supports and sensor and controls mounting.nnrnnnrnnnBecause mk stocks all of the components for the accessories and conveyors, mk was able to deliver a complete solution at the right price and the right time (lead-time was approximately four weeks). Working side by side with their customers, mk is able to participate in design reviews and developments which makes mk truly a conveyor solutions partner.nnrnnnBetter product. Better solutions.

nnrnnnPackaging – Faster than substantial pneumatic suppliernn SMAC was specified to replace pneumatic supplier at the leading North American manufacturer of Mac and Cheese. LAL300-100. Reason? Cycle speed. We run at 400 CPM, air cylinder set runs at about 50% of that and cycle life 10X plus. We were specified to use by the end user. The company building the machines is one of the top 5 packaging machine builders in North America.nnrnnn This packaging success is just one of many reasons SMAC is the top choice for many ejecting – diverting apps due to :nnrnnnnn

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• Higher speeds

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• More accurate in terms of time to make the move

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• Ability to hit objects with different impact forces and the push depends on the object status. (Weight/size).

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nnnnrnnn The cycle life aspect is important as we will last >10 longer. Customers will appreciate this over time by the customer. It will NOT be appreciated by the competition who have substantial replacement sales. (If you think about it this is a real challenge to the entire size of the pneumatic market like 20% of their sales ).nn The packaging application types are spreading.

Customization. Durable. High Quality. Quick Delivery. These are all perfect descriptors for the GUF-P 2000 belt conveyor line from mk North America.The GUF-P 2000 belt conveyor is the most popular conveyor sold by mk. With nine different drive options, six different idler options, three standard motors options, and dozens of standard side rail and support options – there are nearly limitless ways to configure a GUF-P 2000 conveyor. End drives and mid drives are available, as well as standard idlers and nose bars for small product transfers. Need a flush idler assembly to fit into your machine? Not a problem with the GUF-P 2000. Side mount drives and overhead drives are also very popular.

Conveyor belts are supplied by leaders in the belting industry and come in a variety of materials, finishes, and as flat, or cleated belts. This level of customization is unsurpassed in the conveyor industry. In addition mk conveyors are compatible with the mk line of t-slot aluminum extrusion and components, allowing for quick and easy modifications – either before the conveyor ships or in your facility. mks experienced team of sales engineers are available to assist you and provide quotes on this belt conveyor as well any of the other 30+ conveyors that mk offers.nnrnnnAll mk conveyors are fully assembled and tested in-house prior to shipping. All mk conveyors go through a rigorous eighteen-point inspection and quality control process prior to shipping. Ensuring that when your conveyor order arrives, it is ready to be installed in your facility. Simply place, level, lag and wire it up and you are ready to go. Flat belt conveyors like the GUF-P 2000 are used in a variety of industries. They are the predominant conveyor for moving parts from A to B; but they can be much more than that. For example, GUF-P 2000 conveyors can be outfitted with cleats to space boxes for packaging operations in print and pharmaceutical industries.  The conveyors can be mounted to bases and pull products out of presses in the metal working or plastics industries. Machine builders can use them for a variety of purposes including elevating product into a bowl feeder.nnrnnnIn more custom applications, these conveyors can be equipped with LED light panels to create backlight conveyors. They popular in many industries and used specifically when an enhanced contrast between the part and the belt is required.  This contrast is used with both vision system interfaces and human visual identification.  The GUF-P 2000 belt conveyor can also be configured as a vacuum conveyor which are ideal for transporting product that needs to be held tight and fast to the belt or for conveying from above. When belt conveyors are mounted on their sides and run in parallel a set can be side gripper conveyors or “hugger” belts. With so many great features it’s no wonder that the GUF-P 2000 is mks #1 selling conveyor! Because of this, mk is able to offer competitive pricing and lead-times. Some GUF-P 2000 conveyors are able to ship in less than one week; whereas more complex and customized units require a minimum of 15 business days. Most models ship within six to eight days of order placement.

Contact us at sales@mknorthamerica.com or 860.769.5500 to learn more and visit our website for more information.